The Use of Arched and Vaulted Forms in Architecture - Essay Example

Architecture History Architecture and technology developed as society continued its path to progress. This paperaims to assess how the arches and vaults, a specific architectural design, developed as time progressed in relation with the materials used in an analytical, critical and theoretical manner. This shall cover the time frame from the 6000 B.C.E. to the 19th Century. The Near East architecture stemmed from the progress that Mesopotamia has been able to propagate being the cradle of Civilization. This is the period that can be considered to be start of most of the civilization and where advancement on culture and art has emerged. The iconic architectural figure of this time is the Hanging Gardens of Babylon (Craven, 2003). Analysing the design of the hanging gardens, the material used to construct the building mainly consists of bricks piled up all together; forming a relatively quadrilateral form of figure. Arches can be seen in the gates of it. At the same time, it can be considered that the vaults are still not existent. Regular ceilings have been common for this kind of design. Nevertheless, one cannot deny that the Near East architecture, as exemplified by the Hanging Gardens, can be considered to be one of the foundations of developments in architecture. Egypt has been commonly known as one of the most powerful empires back then and almost started in the same way as the civilizations that boomed in the Fertile Crescent. In Egypt, during the flourish of its civilization, they have been able to develop architectural style of their own. One of the key architectural edifices that have used vaults is the Tomb of Amenemhet in Bani Hasan in Middle Egypt (Bleiberg 2005, p. 43). This is where the architraves are used to show vaults and arches inside the mausoleum of the king’s deathbed (Bleiberg 2005, p. 43). However, one cannot disregard the pyramids even if they have not been design arches. Simple technology is present for the Egyptians during the time that they have initiated the construction of these architectural edifices (Bleiberg 2005, p. 6). Given the same technological condition, the Egyptians are still using rocks formed in a quadrilateral shape and piled up altogether to create an architectural complex. It can be inferred that same building technology and material sources can be found in the two architectural timeframes. Ancient European Architecture is where the Classical Age of architecture boomed as stylistic standards have changed due to possible strong socio – political structure of the societies that promulgated the said art forms. This period is considered to be one that is rich when it comes to development because of the pattern developed during the timeframe of this period. This period encompasses several architectural traditions and designs. This part of the paper shall focus on the following architectural conventions which includes the Greek Order of Architecture, the Early and Imperial Roman Architecture, the Byzantine, and the Romanesque Architecture styles. This is where the Classical Architecture plays a crucial role in the development of designs. There are Greek orders when it comes to the design of the columns for the temples structured for their deities. Doric columnar is the simplest of the forms and emerged as the first and basic form of design (Evans 2005, p. 5). The Ionic became the second one that focuses on ornamentations with the columnar while the Corinthian is last level of design the ornamentations are more elaborate, encompassing almost the Hellenistic period of Greece (Evans 2005, p. 5). During this period, not much concern can be placed on the use of arches but the roofing is designed accordingly to perfection. In terms of materials, marble and sandstones replaced the rocky structures that the two aforementioned architectural styles. At the same time, Hellenic and Hellenistic Architecture differs in terms of the ornamentation and style. It can be considered that Hellenic has been focused on a form while Hellenistic is on the movement and ornamentations. Post and Lentil system has been used by the Hellenic, also known as the Classical Greek architecture (Evans 2005, p. 12). One architectural design that cannot be neglected is the Etruscan Architecture due to its impact and influence on the development of Roman Architecture (Evans 2005, p. 5). Circular tumulus is considered to be the most influential element of the Etruscans in the development of their possibly own architecture conventions (Evans 2005, p. 5). Mud brick and wood, in addition, are the common materials used by the Etruscans (Evans 2005, p. 24). Roman Architecture has been commonly believed to be just an imitation of Greeks. However, it is a mistaken fact due to the condition that Roman Architecture is actually a fusion of the Etruscan and the Greek conventions. Early Roman architecture has been following the concept of podium and high stairs in terms of designing buildings (Evans 2005, p. 28). Vaults and arches are more dominant during the early stage of Roman Architecture. One of the common architectural masterpieces that highlight the virtuosity of the Romans is the Colosseum. This magnificent structure is a breakthrough when it comes to engineering and architecture for the Romans. Analytically, Roman Coliseum can be considered as a hybrid from of architecture due to several influences of the Greeks and Etruscan since most of their cultural conventions have been borrowed and reoriented to fit the Roman social structure (Evans 2005, p. 7). At the onset, the Coliseum consists of columns and arches with an inclusion of pulleys and elevators (Evans 2005, p. 7). It is considered as an amphitheatre that is used for gladiatorial spectacle. At the same time, it is considered to be a Flavian amphitheatre (Evans 2005, p. 34). This architecture can be considered to be a transitioning of the Roman architecture to from the Early to the Imperial. The imperial, on the other hand, also developed new building which is still inclined to their highly advance engineering technology. In this period, amphitheatres have become the dominant architectural forms (Evans 2005, p. 22). ` There is no vaulting or an arch in this case, however, the semi – circular form with an elevation is done by the Romans which is analytically the same with their Greek counterparts. The materials used are still the same with the Early Roman architecture. Late antiquity can be classified under the paradigm of the Byzantine architecture. This is still part of the classical architecture due to its confinement with its conventions of tradition. The Arch of Constantine is one of the manifestations of the Byzantine architecture due to the huge paradigm shift in terms of religious conventions (Evans 2005, p. 38). Apse and Narthex are the vaulting design of the Byzantine architecture and is present in most of the architectural conventions of the churches built during that time (Evans 2005, p. 39). In this case, the Greek design conventions are still analytically followed; having the same requirements all throughout. The aesthetics has changed undeniably. In the same manner, the Romanesque architecture is the transition of the Classical to the Medieval architecture. The Romanesque has focused on the masonry and massive vaulting with the use of wood and stones (Romanesque Architecture). Analytically, the architecture of the Romanesque is already a manifestation of the incursion of the Christian religion in the stylistic conventions of the Classical world, together with it doctrinal culture since a lot of things have changed especially on aesthetics. As this phenomenon continued, this also foreshadowed the decline of Roman architecture and paving way for the flourishing of a new architecture for the new age. Medieval period shall take place and Middle Ages became the banner of new aesthetic conventions in arts and humanities. Medieval Architecture period shall focus on the development of new aesthetics in compliance with the dominance of the Catholic doctrine. It is important that the framework of the Medieval is still in accordance with the Roman conventions. However, abrupt changes have emerged. Christianity as a religion and the decline of the Roman Empire serves as the precursor for the birth of the Middle Ages. However, one must understand that the Medieval architecture did not emerged accordingly to its own desire and will. It is still possesses the Roman architectural strain since Romanesque, as mentioned, is the transition period and regarded to be the Early Medieval architecture (Figg and Friedman 2005, p. 5). Carolignian architecture has its origins from the Romanesque Architectural conventions propagated by Charlemagne as the ruler of the Holy Roman Empire (Figg and Friedman 2005, p. 5). This would then develop into a multiplicity of successive styles and creative intervention as hybridity becomes another matter of architectural innovation by the Romans. Gothic Architecture is penultimate creative mode of construction during that time since it included flying buttresses and huge arches especially in the castles and churches (Fiig and Friedman 2005, p. 5). Brick stones and concrete dominated the scene once again. However, the use of this can be analyzed in a more systemic manner. Following the common knowledge of people about feudalism, the kings and church are the ones who can dominate the people. In the case of castle, the materials have to be strong in order to allow the fortification of the area of domain and security matters are addressed. At the same time, the churches have been designed in a grander manner. If the building assessed, the materials can draw a strong connection with the material used. Fortification and stronger materials would mean control and domination; possibly, subjugation. Glasses are now used too. In terms of analysing the purpose of glass, the reflection it can provide could mean the reflection of the person to reflect toward the divine and a reflection of the progress and skill of the artisans and engineers back then in developing a new kind of technology (Figg and Friedman 2005, p. 6). At the same time, the grand cathedrals of the Gothic architecture are also a sign of devotion (Figg and Friedman 2005, p. 6). Religiosity and Power seems to be one of the most crucial things about the Gothic Architecture. However, there is also another architectural development that cannot be disregarded when it comes to religion. The Islamic architecture also flourished on its own; possibly in the same manner to that of the development of the Medieval Architecture. Islamic Architecture is another type of architecture that focuses on religion. Domes have been the common identification with the Islamic Architecture. This can be observed to have drawn parallelism with the Vaults of the Gothic architecture on a comparative basis. Materials, in this case, are relatively different. Brick, clay, iron, plaster, ivory, wood and pearls are used (Islamic Architecture). At the same, Minaret is a convention developed exclusively by the Islamic architects which has a strong resemblance with the lighthouse and Roman towers with just domes placed on top (Islamic Architecture). The design of the Islamic architecture definitely possesses the same purpose in a theoretical sense. Architecture has been used to forward and validate the dominance of a certain cultural condition or conventions. Nevertheless, Islam did not allow itself to lag behind the development of the Christian Architecture. Hagia Sophia can be considered as a hybrid architecture which carries with it a Roman convention with Islamic conceptual design incursion. In a strict sense, the Hagia Sophia is a key figure of the architecture world since the Ottoman also has been able to exert control over it: a Byzantine architecture that fell into the hands of Islams. Thus, the architectural designs play a crucial role. The materials are the ones that alleviate the condition of the edifice to a better one, especially in the case of Islamic architecture. Are materials still important with the other architectural developments? Abruptly, it cannot be denied that it has been one of the powerful factors. As times progressed, the developments in architecture are still obvious. There is also a period of revival in this case. Renaissance and Baroque Architecture In explaining the Renaissance and the Baroque Architecture, it is important to look for the St. Peter’s Basilica since this cathedral is the one which has been able to be influenced by the conventions brought upon by these two periods and even includes the developmental eras. Comes the period of Renaissance, the Pope Julius II ordered the demolishing of the original basilica; which has been erected during the medieval period (Soergel 2005, p. 3). Upon this abolishment, the Pope has ordered Bramante to construct the Basilica (Soergel 2005, p. 3). This act has been considered to be a shift in terms of political power of the church where there is a need to improve the edifice complex of the very origin of the Catholic Church. The reconstruction of the Old Church is considered to have lasted for almost 175 years, consuming a huge sum of money (Soergel 2005, p. 18). The major key features of the Church have been designed during this period; specifically, the facade, the dome and the proportioned floor plan of the whole structure. Michelangelo, during this time, have intercepted the design of Bramante by making slight revisions and reconstructing the design of the whole building (Soergel 2005, p. 28). One thing that cannot be denied about this building is that it has served as a blueprint for the development of other churches, especially, during the Baroque period: the subsequent period that followed the Renaissance. During the baroque period, major additions to the design are the facade, the altar and the row of pillars that stands in front of the basilica (Soergel 2005, p. 5). In this case, the basilica is already exploited by the stylistic conventions of the Renaissance and the Baroque where there is an implied urgency and necessity to allow the flourish of art and sciences. Georgian Architecture is the architectural style that flourished in England. Monarchy seems to be most influential factor that allowed the dominance of this kind of architecture. However, the Georgian architecture had its foundations from the Classical architecture though there are variations that have come along the way (Georgian Architecture). The Baroque Georgian architecture is a combination of the classical proportion and ornamentation, which is derived from the conventions of the Classical and Baroque architecture (Georgian Architecture). The ornamentations have to follow a proportion of design. Thus, this evokes the spirit of the classic architecture. Palladianism is also another form of Georgian architecture which has its origins from the philosophy of Andreas Palladio (Georgian Architecture). This is still adherent to the classical traditions of architecture even if there have been several stylistic developments, which have all been taken into account. The Royal Houses in Britain is actually patterned after the Georgian style (Georgian Architecture). At the same time, the Georgian Architecture is also a revival of the Greek architecture. Thus, it is safe to say that the Georgian Architecture is a developmental design that followed the Classical tradition with some inclusions of developing modern convention. Victorian architecture follows suits because it also focuses on revivals. The vaults and arches are retained in a general sense. However, the periods define the extent of change that the design must undergo. Also, the progress of time also gives a condition for the change in the use of materials. Modern architecture starts to emerge but does not neglect the contributions of the Greek tradition. CONCLUSION There are two key things that I want to emphasize as I have made an art historical inquiry about architecture. First is the transition of time. The other would be the conventions of culture. Time is inevitably passing by as it progresses, humans start to develop thing further and better in a general sense. In terms of architecture, one must carefully understand that humans already have a sense of form. The minds are the ones who have provided the avenues to create and erect such wonderful masterpieces of architecture. At the same time, aesthetics accordingly to the sensibility of the people in each time frame mattered in almost every form of design. From the Near East up to the Victorian, one cannot deny that there is a development. Even if certain time frames might have worked out on revival or development or mixture of concepts, it is still important to understand that such phenomena are still happening and applicable in the current context of the modern world. At the same time, the progress and development still continues and does not stop as what most people thinks. Culturally speaking, sensibilities and standards really matter that much when it comes to these kinds of architectural concepts. It is undeniably important to understand that the conventions will not emerge without the importance given by the people in uplifting the status of their culture. In almost all time periods, one can conclude that most of the architectural conventions have been denoting power and domination. As times progressed, materials become more and more expensive. The early architecture may not have relied too much on money because of the ingenuity of the materials available to them. However, it did not prevent them from making designs which will make the world follow. Also, copying has become one of the most common issues when it comes to the assessment made by this paper since most of the styles have been patterned after one and there are just modifications done to complement and change things to say that a new architecture is developed. This is acceptably true due to the examples of revival and mixture that happened among different cultures just to make the aesthetics classy and commendable. Inherently, one can see that architecture is a sign power. This is the ultimate conditions that one must understand since influences have been abrupt and constant in almost all places just to show how architecture evolved and show how powerful they are. The copying made throughout the course of development of the architectural aesthetics can be considered as a quest of identification with the glory of the Classical Greek tradition which is still used until the modern times. ‘ In the end, architecture is still something important that we humans must not forget to appreciate. Arts are the key to being cultured no matter what context or time frame one might confined in to. Architecture history, in this case, only highlights that the development of architecture is becoming more and more expensive and grander as time goes by. Also, before, architecture might be considered to be more socially relevant due to majestic edifices of power of a particular culture, now, architecture becomes a tool to rectify and reify the complex desire to make designs fit for the aesthetic standards of the society. WORKS CITED Beliberg, Edward. Arts and Humanities Through the Eras: Ancient Egypt 2675 - 332. Thomson Gale; New York. 2005. Evans, James Allan. Arts and Humanities Through the Eras: Ancient Greece and Rome 1200 BCE– 476 BCE. Thomson Gale; New York. 2005. Figg, Kristen Mossler and John Block Friedman. Arts and Humanities Through the Eras: Medieval Europe 814 – 1450. Thomson Gale; New York. 2005. Soergel, Philip. Arts and Humanities Through the Eras: Renaissance Europe (1300 – 1600). Thomson Gale; New York. 2005. Soergel, Philip. Arts and Humanities Through the Eras: The Age of Baroque and the Enlightenment (1600 – 1800). Thomson Gale; New York. 2005. Islamic Architecture. Islamic Architecture.com retrieved from Romanesque Architectrue. Infoplease.com. retrieved from < http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/world/A0860785.html> Craven, Jackie. Ancient Architecture of Babylon. About.com. retrieved from < http://architecture.about.com/od/themiddleeast/a/babylon.htm> Georgian Architecture. Britainexpress.com. retrieved from < http://www.britainexpress.com/architecture/georgian.htm> Read More